Thursday links: UCLA freshmen not cleared

There’s tons of speculation surrounding UCLA’s incoming freshman class, which is under NCAA investigation for possibly violating recruiting rules.
At this time, it doesn’t appear as if the Bruins committed any infractions, but UCLA athletic director Dan Guerrero said in a statement two players have not been cleared by the NCAA.
ESPNLosAngeles is reporting the players are Shabazz Muhammad and Kyle Anderson, who ESPN ranks ranks second and fifth respectively among the top 2012 recruits in the nation. Muhammad is a 6-6 small forward from Las Vegas and Anderson is a 6-7 small forward from Fairview, N.J.
Initial reports said Tony Parker, a 6-9 center from Lithonia, GA, was also being investigated. However, a Los Angeles Times story reports he’s been cleared by the NCAA.
At issue is Muhammad’s involvement with an alleged friend who helped pay for unofficial trips to Duke and North Carolina. NCAA investigators also want to know about Muhammad’s relationship with a New York financial planner who partially funded Muhammad’s Las Vegas summer team.
Anderson’s relationship with an agent who has ties to UCLA has raised red flags.THURSDAY MORNING LINKS:
—- Washington flew to Dakar, Senegal, which is home for senior center Aziz N’Diaye(pictured right with his family). The Huskies are scheduled to host a basketball clinic at a children’s grammar schools today. They’ll also visit the Reserve de Bandia Animal Reserve for a safari park tour. Washington (3-3) plays its final exhibition Friday against Dakar University Club. The team flies to Paris on Saturday night and returns to Seattle on Sunday afternoon.Photo credit:University of Washington
— Arizona’s freshmen big men and sophomore forward Angelo Chollooked pretty good during an open workout this week. Arizona Daily Star’s Bruce Pasco writes: “Chol has gained at least 10 pounds of muscle to his 6-foot-9 frame while forwards Brandon Ashley and Grant Jerrett showed promising versatility and Kaleb Tarczewski was notably mobile for a 7-footer.”
— On its insider page, ESPN’s Jay Bilas calls Colorado 6-10 forward Josh Scott one of the top freshmen in the country and said he needs to develop a mid-range shot.
— Don’t sleep on Colorado and coach Tad Boyle. The Buffaloes are showing no signs that last season’s Pac-12 Tournament championship was a fluke. Not only did CU bring in a top 20 recruiting class for 2012, Boyle went into the backyard of Pac-12 neighbors Arizona and Arizona State and secured a commitment this week from the state’s top prospect, four-star guard Jaron Hopkins. He declined an offer from Arizona, visited Oregon State and was supposed to take trips to Washington State, UNLV and Auburn.
— Oregon State finalized its roster and has given a scholarship to Olaf Schaftenaar, the 19-year-old brother of former OSU player Roeland Schaftenaar. The 6-9 forward averaged 13.6 points for a Spanish team last season and will have four years of eligibility.
— Oregon released its 2012-13 schedule and games against UNLV and Vanderbilt are the highlight non-conference matchups.
— The NCAA is investigating allegations allegations that former USC basketball player Davon Jefferson and running back Joe McKnightreceived cash and other improper benefits.
— Practices begin next month and Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun still has not decided if he’s going to retire.